FEBRUARY 1, 2018 Fire update from the Executive Stewardship Circle (ESC)
“In times of need, we respond not from the height of our ideals,
but from the depth of our practice.” ~ Anonymous
In the weeks since our last update, the last of the flames have been put out, and the region as a whole is beginning to take stock of the damage, the resilience, and the recovery that still lies ahead. The long-term impact of this fire remains to be fully understood. Yet, with the first big rains and the fatal debris flows and mudslides that followed in Montecito, it is clear that much will grow back—and much will never be the same. We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and our gratitude for the community response that continues to deepen as we find our common humanity.
This fire update includes announcements about upcoming volunteer opportunities, community events, and our soon-to-be-launched fundraising campaign. Thank you for your patience as we do our best to keep the communication flowing amidst the myriad of tasks and unknowns.
Volunteer Opportunity Feb. 10-12. Fire Recovery Days of Service. We are excited to announce that we are ready to have our first public volunteer clean-up days since the fire. We will be coordinating a volunteer effort Saturday, February 10, thru Monday, February 12. If you or anyone you know can join, please come lend a hand. More details available here. Please RSVP to David@ojaifoundation.org so we know you are coming. Thanks!
Community Council Series begins February 15. The Ojai Foundation will be hosting a series of monthly council sessions, free to the public, in collaboration withSomatic Sanctuary, a beautiful, new center in downtown Ojai. We will meet from 7pm – 9pm, on the third Thursday of each month through the spring (2/15, 3/15, 4/19, & 5/17) to share stories, be together and incorporate in these times of change. Please come if you can and help spread the word. If you have questions, please contact brendan@ojaifoundation.org.
We Will Rise! Community Sing, February 18. The Ojai Foundation is delighted to be co-hosting a community singing circle in collaboration with greater goods, a local non-profit arts, learning and gathering place. Guided by musician and songwriter Glen Phillips, we will learn and sing a variety of songs from around the world, blending our voices in multi-part songs, rounds, and harmonies. No experience necessary, just a love of singing together and of re-weaving our lives through song. Sunday, February 18th, 5pm followed by potluck dinner. 145 W. El Roblar. Click here for more information.
Off-site Programming – We are working with many new and long-time partners to continue to be able to offer our previously-scheduled public programs off-site, e.g. see below, Art of Intimate Conversation offered at the Somatic Sanctuary in Ojai. While we cannot accommodate all programs, we will continue to offer many rites of passage trips, and public council trainings off-site this year, as we simultaneously tend to the needs of The Ojai Foundation sanctuary. Check our website for updates.
Thank you again for your time, your care, and your support.
With gratitude,
The Executive Stewardship Circle (ESC)
Brendan, David, Laura, & Shay